The Jewish cricket community was left reeling over the festive period following the death of Richard Ableson. The Belmont & Edgware all-rounder lost his battle against a leukaemia-related illness less than a year since emigrating to New York and getting married.

Some of his former teammates have paid tributes. Colin Enlander said: “Richard had the annoying ability of not seeming to try at all yet still scoring more runs and take more wickets than most of the team. Weekesy, as he was called, always played cricket with a smile and was able to entertain the team and lift spirits continually.

“We should all take inspiration from the positive impact Richard had on the lives of so many people. I feel privileged to have spent time with him.”

David Ritterband said: “I have many fond memories of Richard on the cricket field together with his unique character always with a can of coke in one hand and a bag of crisps in the other. Boy, could he hit the ball.”

“What he really enjoyed was coming in for 10 overs to hit 75 whilst I had been batting for two hours on 45,” recalls Eddie Davis.

Jonny Waters commented: “Belmont and the world of cricket will not be the same without his gifted talents.” Richard’s father, Mark, said: “The Jewish cricket world have also made me tremendously proud by their show of love. It really does help at this time.”

I recently returned from a few days at EuroDisney, followed by a trip to Brighton. I found the former something of a Mickey Mouse affair while my stay at the South Coast resort saw me, and the East London massive, rub shoulders with the Northampton Town squad.

Following a recent bump on the head, I sported some Petr Cech headgear for North London Raiders A’s cup clash against Division Four high-flyers Woodford Wanderers. But while I have one similarity with the Chelsea keeper, I have more in common with Spurs defender Ledley King.

A knee complaint prevents King from training regularly and playing more than one game a week. The cold snap has seen my arthritic ankle take a turn for the worse. My ailment prevents me from fulfilling training commitments and only a string of decent performances have kept me in the team. This weekend will prove a stern test as we take on Division One table-toppers South Manx A in the league.

East London Knights assistant-manager Michael Marks is the first January transfer in the JC MSFL as he decided to return “home” to FC Team after completing the move this week. Marks, 24, who joined the Division Four league leaders only in August, commented: “Leaving the Knights was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. They will always be in my memories but FC Team is in my heart and I can’t wait to go home.”

Knights boss James Ryan said: “Michael’s departure came as a bit of a shock to me and the rest of the squad.”

Ryan has replaced Marks with the much-travelled Craig Edwards who joins from Redbridge Jewish Care and said: “Craig is an excellent signing and will give us even more firepower up front. I was always on the look-out for another striker from the beginning of the season and I can now say that the squad is now complete.

“I am really looking forward to playing with Craig and hoping that we can create one of the best partnerships in the league.”
Faithfold’s Andrew Wolfin faces a spell on the sidelines after slipping a disc.

London Maccabi Lions A player-manager Andy Myers hopes to overcome a bout of claustrophobia after being buried in the sand on holiday in Palm Beach.

North West Neasden B take on Enfield Crusaders in the last 16 of the Sunday London Junior Cup at Bricket Wood on Sunday. They have named a full-strength squad with the exception of Stevie Krein.